As state leaders push for a prompt agreement on where to cut a breathtaking $2.7 billion from Illinois' Medicaid program, the two Republicans and two Democrats designated to come up with a deal are confronting fundamental differences, including over a proposal to resurrect a cigarette tax increase as a way to soften the blow.

School officials in Niles say the number of students taking class instead of lunch is on the rise. Kaine Osburn, principal at Niles West High School, said the change is mostly due to scheduling conflicts.

After days of media hype and international anticipation, North Korea’s attempt to put a satellite in orbit was a flop. The rocket carrying the satellite exploded in midair about a minute after liftoff. The U.S.

CPS is using state funds to pay off its debt: $160 million last year alone. That’s 17 percent of Chicago’s general state aid, which is state money meant to follow students. CPS budget director Ginger Ostro said it's not a new practice, but lawmakers were still caught off guard.

WASHINGTON — Trayvon Martin's parents renewed their calls for calm Wednesday as a law enforcement official in Florida said that charges would be filed against neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman in their son's shooting death.The charges were expected to be announced later in the day and th